Thursday, June 30, 2016

In My Bookbag: Kindred, (The Watchers Chronicles, Book 2), by S.J. West

I will admit that I used to be one of those star-only reviewers. The first, (and second and third), time I read this series, I didn’t give any of my books the review that I should.

Kindred is a great book, eliciting a wide range of emotions. The first of which is a renewed emotional connection to the only one who can ease her broken heart (see book #1). This book delivers revelation,  comfort, and grief from loss… all in the first chapter. I have to say that I shed some tears.

I find the search for other vessels to be very interesting. I love that Jess feels so close to Chandler, because he adds the light into her life that has been missing since she lost her mother and father. I think that his seemingly charmed life actually gives her hope.

The Jess/Mason relationship follows the pattern of most romantic relationships found in literature. There is love, break-ups, crying, misunderstanding, and enlightenment. There is no surprise, but it is a satisfying element of the story as a whole.

This book has heartache, happiness, loss, love, and a crazy twist at the end. It is a really good read, and I recommend it. 4 1/2 stars

Monday, June 27, 2016

In My Bookbag: Hidden Wings, by Cameo Renae

I just noticed that I have no BlogSpot written review of Hidden Wings, by Cameo Renae. I am incorporating my existing Goodreads review, from 2014, to remedy this oversight.

This is the fantastic book that starts the phenomenal Hidden Wings Series. Drama and romance go hand in hand to make this an excellent read. The writing is imaginative and very well done.

Author Cameo Renae brings the wonderful characters, and exceptional story, to life. This is an awesome YA read that I highly recommend. 5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Reckoning (Book #2 in The Dominion Saga), by S.J. West

Continuing in her exploration of the Watcher world, author S.J. West adds Reckoning to the second trilogy of Malcom and Anna’s story.

I like the way that West uses consistent themes that tie all of the Watcher sagas and series together. The first is destiny, which ties all of the Watcher books together, across time and dimensions. Each character and plot device plays a part in the overall grand design. The potential for redemption is another theme that spans the entirety of the Watcher universe. This book also draws heavily on Helena’s need for love and acceptance, especially by her father, and the consequences due to a the lack thereof. Jealousy, a problem with which Lucifer dealt for several millennia, is Helena’s driving force.

I do not particularly care for the way that West tries to develop so many different characters. I think that the main characters’ developments are hindered by the attempt to deepen so many. I am also not a fan of books written in multiple POVs. I don’t mind two, but a multitude of voices becomes a bit too divisive in a book that is under 300 pages.

I like the way that West ends the book. It is not necessarily a cliffhanger. Instead, it is a situation that requires me to imagine the many potential implications. It makes me think. I can appreciate a story that can do that. I am looking forward to the release of Enduring, the final book in this saga. Reckoning gets 4 stars from me.

Monday, June 20, 2016

Now in My Bookbag: The Elsker Saga, by S.T. Bende (Full Set, Including Books 1-3 + Novella)

I am glad that I decided to get the entire set of The Elsker Saga. This enabled me to read straight through the entire story without loosing the flow.

I always enjoy books steeped in Norse mythology. I have developed a keen interest in it. Author S.T. Bende does not disappoint in her interpretation and storytelling.

I love her characters. Kristia is the ultimate representation of choosing to do the right thing, no matter the cost, and Bende does a phenomenal job in her character development throughout the saga. To a lesser extent, Bende does a good job in developing Ull’s character, taking him from a lonely stick-in-the-mud, to a god with an open heart and a reason to really live. The ancillary characters are great, and the villains are truly evil.

Bende knows how to create a fascinating story, with a well-imagined world. It is compelling and worthy of binge reading. 5 stars

Sunday, June 19, 2016

Now in My Bookbag: Feudlings in Flames (Fate on Fire Book 2), by Wendy Knight

I enjoyed this book and its continuation of the story began in Feudlings. The progression of the relationship between Ari and Shane, including the bumps in the road, was interesting. Even more interesting was the dynamic of feelings between Charity and Hunter. The bombardment of twists provided by author Wendy Knight was compelling, and the action was exciting. This is a great YA read. 4 1/4 stars

Friday, June 17, 2016

Now in My Bookbag: Feudlings (Fate on Fire Book 1), by Wendy Knight

This is an interesting story of friendship, forbidden love, and dynamic forces. I like these characters, and find the book enjoyable. The read flows pretty well.

Author Wendy Knight does a wonderful job in her character creation. Charity and Hunter are relatable and lovable. Ari and Shane are powerful forces to be reckoned with. Nev and Livi are vibrant and charismatic friends. They are great characters who add much to the story. The bad guys are truly vile.

The story is a good read, with nice use of plot devices. This is a satisfying YA book.

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Now in My Bookbag: The Bells of Herkimer, by Natalie Merheb

This book has been on my TBR list for a while. I truly wish I had read it sooner.

I am a huge fan of this work. It is imaginative, suspenseful, and well-told. Author Natalie Merheb has created characters that are truly interesting. The story itself brings me back to my love of Nancy Drew, only this book feels so much more sophisticated… perfect for the older reader. I really could not have predicted all of the great twists and turns.

I highly recommend this read, however I am currently unable to find this book available from any retailers. 4 3/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Master (Arrow's Flight Book #3), by Casey Hays

Master finally reaches the destination, the climax, of the Arrow’s Flight story. Both Kate and Ian learn what it means to have faith in something beyond themselves. The kindness of strangers, the call to their souls, and the realization of truths drive this book. I feel that this work, more so than the previous two books, develops naturally… without feeling forced. The story is well written and inspiring. It comes complete with love, friendship, family, faith, and action. It is also a cautionary tale about the potential results from trying to play God.

I hope that there is a follow-up book soon. I need to know what happens next. 4 1/2 stars

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Now in My Bookbag: Gods, (Book #3 of the Runes Companion Series, Eirik), by Ednah Walters

This trilogy is an excellent companion to the Runes Series, also by author Ednah Walters.

I have completely fallen in love with Eirik and his girl Celestia. I am so impressed with the talent and imagination of author Ednah Walters. She builds this totally believable fantasy world that exists alongside the Mortal world. She also blends this book seamlessly with its Runes counterpart. That is why it is important to have read the Runes series, (through Witches), prior to reading Gods.

This book really adds additional layers to Eirik, Celestia, and Hel. They have always been exciting characters, but this book seals them in my heart. I was already in love with Eirik, but Celestia and Hel have become two of my favorite characters of the entire Runes world.

This book delivers a glimpse into the different types of families in the Immortal universe. Gods delivers some unexpected surprises, and they are most excellent. It is a great book.
I recommend the Runes Series, and the Eirik companion series, highly.

4 3/4 stars

Friday, June 10, 2016

Now in My Bookbag: The Archer (Arrow's Flight Book 2), by Casey Hayes

Escape. What does that really mean? Leaving behind the hell she has endured, Kate remains unsure of what Eden represents. There is also the dangerous journey, much like the story of her life.

I really enjoy the progression of this story. It is complete with all of the elements I need to make the story compelling. Love, loss, action, revelations, and a heart thumping cliffhanger keep me interested from beginning to end.

This book uses less Christian scriptures than book one, Breeder. In Archer, author Casey Hays uses more of an eye toward the relationship between the scripture and the story. The editing eye that she uses enables her to incorporate the scriptures into the book without endangering the reading flow.

I like the way Hays includes the duel points of view. I find that it peaks my interest more than only Kate’s point of view in Breeder. I find this book more enjoyable than the first. 4 stars

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Now in My Bookbag: BREEDER (Arrow's Flight Book 1), by Casey Hays

I find this to be a very interesting dystopian story. The concept is fresh, but violent. The array of characters brings balance to the story. However, there is a problem in the book’s flow.

It is obvious that author Casey Hays attempts to interject Christian scripture into the book, but the story does not lend itself to the interjection of Christian principles, yet. In fact, the plethora of scriptures is a bit confusing when trying to immerse myself into the plot of the story.

Having  read all three books available in this series now, I can honestly say that there is a perfect opening for the scriptures important to this overall story arc at a different point. It makes sense to interject more scripture into that part of the story where it more appropriately fits.

Despite the problems with the flow of the book, it is an interesting book. It is worth adding to the TBR list just to meet Kate, Ian, John and Justin. 3 stars

Friday, June 3, 2016

Now in My Bookbag: Rogue (Book #3 of the Relentless Series), by Karen Lynch

What a fascinating story idea! The girl from the coast of Maine is transformed into an excellent leader, an amazing fighter, and a woman in her own right. Author Karen Lynch does an amazing job developing Sara’s character, and her powers, throughout this book.
To a much lesser extent, Nikolas’ character also grows during this book, more so than either of the previous two books. His love for Sara is so apparent… even when he has to learn what loving someone entails.

Of the new characters introduced in this book, my absolute favorite has to be Eldeorin. He is outrageous, caring, unapologetic, loyal, and so much more. Sara needs his help, much more than she realizes at first.

The most genius thing about this story? The awesomely unexpected twist at the end. There is no way that I could have seen that coming. It caps off an extraordinary book. I wholeheartedly recommend this series. 5 stars

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Now in My Bookbag: Refuge (Book #2 of the Relentless Series), by Karen Lynch


This next step in Sara’s journey begins with her feeling like she doesn’t belong… like she will never measure up. She eventually makes friends, meets long-lost relatives and makes progress in training. Still, there is so much that sets her apart.

I really love this book. There is a vast amount of emotion evoked, both happiness and sadness. Experiencing Sara’s pleasure as she spends time with her animals brings a smile to my face. Feeling the warmth of first love makes my heart remember. There are parts of this book that make me ugly-cry. Lynch delivers moments of tear-jerking, heartbreaking anguish.

This book has so much pulse-pounding action and excitement. Sara learns a lot about harnessing all of her powers, giving her the tools to hold her on in a fight. Every so often there is a flash of laugh out loud funny. This book provides a lot of great new characters, and surprising betrayal.

Author Karen Lynch provides a well-told story that provides everything a great book should. 5 stars

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Now in My Bookbag: Relentless, by Karen Lynch


This book is interesting, captivating, and well-written. With a decidedly different take on the traditional vampire hunter books, it commands your attention, making it impossible to put down.

Sara is not your typical heroine, nor is she a typical Mohiri. She is so much more than anyone realizes. She faces down dangers, and does everything she can to protect her family and friends. Nikolas is a legendary Mohiri warrior who has made it his mission to protect Sara, and bring her home to the Mohiri stronghold. Of course, these stubborn personalities clash.

What do I find so interesting about this book? Author Karen Lynch provides action and excitement while still delving deep into the psyche of Sara. There are so many layers to this story, mostly because Sara is a complex character.

The ending is fabulous, and worthy of the caliber of this story. I highly recommend this book to readers who love paranormal, supernatural, and/or vampire hunter readers.

5 stars